Knowing Christ In His Fullness

 The Apostle Paul gave up everything to know Christ in His fullness.

Philippians 3:8-9 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

To know Jesus in a personal, intimate way is a blessing beyond compare.
• He’s a Friend that sticks closer than a brother
• He reveals Himself in the storm and in the sunshine
• He shows His glory on the mountain of victory and in the valley of defeat.

To know Jesus in salvation is just the beginning.
• Every mile reveals more of His glory.
• Every valley proves His sweetness.
• Every burden shows His grace.
• Every step of faith with Jesus is seasoned with His power and presence.

The Touch Of Jesus

Kneeling on hay at the wooden altar under a revival  tent, I asked Jesus to save me. Though ten years old, the Lord touched my believing heart and redeemed me from  sin. Salvation gave a peace and joy I’ll never forget.

I felt His touch again under bright surgery lights and years later in a dark recovery room after going under the knife.

There is power in the touch of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether you are lost, backslidden, burdened, discouraged or just want to learn to love Him more, you need His touch.

Actually, Jesus is constantly with me, ever touching me with tender mercies, blessings and love as I yield to His will.

Psalm 139:9-10  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;  Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

Praise God

If you are overwhelmed by life, you need to know Jesus. If you don’t know Him personally, seek Him. Ask Him to come into your heart and forgive your sins. If you are a believer, remember who your Lord and Savior is and what He has done.

Psalm 146:8-10 The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous: The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord .

God has a special place in His heart for those who are His, those in a right relationship with Him. He has lifted my burden many times,  given me rest, and  loved me when I was unlovable. I praise Him.

As the endless expanse of eternity unfolds before our eyes, we will forever lift our voices in praise to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

My Shepherd

Psalm 23:1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In His earthly ministry the good Lord Jesus labeled Himself  The Good Shepherd. Every redeemed born again child of God is His sheep.

I need my Shepherd. I don’t always know the right way, the right words, the right thoughts.

He knows me by name. Every day he calls me to follow Him in paths of righteousness.

My Shepherd supplies my needs. I shall not want.  Do you know The Good Shepherd? The Good Shepherd sacrificed his life to save His sheep. To be His sheep you must believe in Jesus.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Homesick For Heaven

Philippians 1:21-23 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Paul could honestly say that his life was a true reflection of Christ on earth. He knew that while he lived, others could see Jesus living in and through him. But he also knew that if he were to die  he would be the better for it---He would be with Christ. To Paul, he was a winner either way.

Here we are--- saved, ready to go to Heaven and be with Jesus, yet we are expected to live in a sinful world surrounded by temptations and trials. God expects us to be busy working for His glory. It’s the best life possible, but there are times we just want to go home and be with The Lord.

Do you ever get homesick? I do.

Rev. 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Spirit-filled

It seems we have problems at times surrendering to the Spirit of God. One minute we are focused on the Word of God, the next minute we are acting selfishly.  If God is to move in our lives and use us in His work, we must be Spirit-filled. The Spirit of God is in born again believers, but we must allow Him to lead us to God's will.

Romans 8:8-9 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

We can’t just snap our fingers and act filled with the Spirit, but there is one thing we can do. We can  open our hearts in submission to the Lord Jesus. We can confess any sin in our lives and  sing spiritual songs, psalms and hymns. We can praise Jesus through His beautiful, uplifting music.

Ephesians 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

That's what I do.  Gospel music is always playing when my car is in “drive”. I need that.

New Year Resolutions For Christians

Here is a recipe for born again Christians to bear spiritual fruit in 2017:

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.   
• Love – Jesus first, my neighbor second and me last.
• Joy -- A constant delight in God
• Peace - When the Spirit rules in our lives we have peace with God, others and within us
• Longsuffering - Willing to accept and bear injury. Patience with others
• Gentleness - A sweetness of attitude - ever kind like Jesus
• Goodness - A willingness to do good and help others---Christian love in action
• Faith - Ability to trust God because we love Him and know He loves us
• Meekness – Restraint -- Power under control---not a weakness. Jesus was meek
• Temperance - Self Control. Submitting to the will of God

Start the new year by being the Christian God wants you to be --- Abide in Him. Read/study the Word. Pray. Submit to His will.